What happens if my dog eats raw chicken? Should I bring my dog to vet? What can happen? Read the article below to find out if a dog can eat raw chicken.
Can I give raw chicken to my dog?
Hey, you other dog owners! I’m sure we all like to give treats to our pets from time to time. But have you ever wondered if dogs can eat raw chicken? So, to quickly answer your question, yes, dogs can eat chicken. But people have different ideas about whether or not you should feed your dog raw meat.
Salmonella and other harmful bacteria in raw chicken can make you and your dog sick. If you really want to feed your dog raw chicken, you will have to take extra steps to make sure the chicken is fresh and doesn’t have salmonella. I think your pet would do better with cooked chicken or dog food, though.
Cooking chicken gets rid of the risk of salmonella and keeps your dog from choking on any bones or cartilage that might be in the raw meat. Remember that a healthy dog will do best on a balanced diet that gives it protein, fat, and all the nutrients it needs. So, let’s give our pets cooked chicken to keep them safe and healthy.
Is raw chicken safe for dogs to eat?
What’s up? Quite a few people have asked me if their pets can eat raw chicken. So, pay attention if you want to know the same thing! Most dogs won’t get sick from eating raw chicken. Since dogs are related to wolves, they can easily break down raw meat.
But you should remember that every dog is different. Some dogs may not do well with raw meat because their stomachs aren’t as strong. If you want to feed raw, make sure the chicken is fresh and well-prepared. You don’t want your dog to eat uncooked chicken that’s been in your fridge for days.
If you do this, your dog could get salmonella or stomach problems. So, it’s best to talk to your vet before making any changes to your dog’s food. Also, remember that chicken is just one of many raw foods you can feed your pet. A dog can also stay healthy and happy by eating a lot of other proteins.
What will happen if a dog eats raw chicken?
So, let’s talk about what happens when a dog eats raw chicken. I mean, it’s not a secret that some dogs love to eat raw meat, but pet owners need to know the risks. Raw chicken can contain bacteria like salmonella, which can make your pet very sick.
Nobody wants to deal with that mess! You could also get other bacterial infections if you eat raw chicken. Some people like to give their dogs raw chicken necks as treats, but even that can be risky. Your dog could choke on the bones or get a clogged intestine from them.
Always think about the risks before giving your pet raw food. Even though dogs need to eat a lot of protein, it’s important to make sure it’s safe and good for them. So, be careful about what you feed your four-legged friend, and if they eat raw chicken, watch for signs of distress.
Does it make sense for dogs to eat raw chicken?
Hey, let’s talk about feeding raw chicken to your dog. Some people swear by it, but will it really help if you give your dog a piece of raw chicken? First of all, raw chicken meat is a great source of protein, which every dog needs to eat. Raw chicken can also give your dog some of the important nutrients it needs to stay healthy and happy.
But here’s the thing: dogs can’t eat raw chicken without getting sick unless their stomach acid is strong enough to kill any harmful bacteria. Also, there are some risks to giving your dog raw food. For example, you could give them a piece of chicken that has salmonella or another bacteria that could make them very sick.
So, there are some good reasons to give your dog raw chicken, but there are also some bad reasons. If you decide to give your dog raw chicken, make sure it comes from a reliable source and talk to your vet to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need.
Can dogs eat raw chicken bones?
Yo! So, you might be wondering if it’s okay for your dog to eat raw chicken bones. Well, let me tell you that’s not a good idea. Dogs shouldn’t eat bones because they can be very bad for them. For example, raw chicken bones can give dogs salmonella infections. Also, dogs have a hard time digesting bones, which can cause them to get stuck in their stomachs.
So, even if your pet is looking at the bone-in chicken breasts on your plate, it’s best to keep them away from it. Trust me, there are lots of other tasty treats out there that won’t hurt your dog’s health. Some dog owners do give their dogs bones as treats, but I think it’s best to be safe and not give your dog any raw chicken bones at all. Your dog will be grateful.
Should I go to the vet with my dog?
Hey, dude, if you’re wondering if you should take your dog to the vet, the answer is probably yes. Look, I know we all like to think our dogs are invincible, but sometimes they need a little help. If your furry friend seems tired, isn’t eating or drinking as much, or is acting strangely, you should take them to the vet.
Shouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry? Also, if your dog is throwing up or having diarrhoea, that could be a sign of something more serious, and you should definitely take him to the vet. Believe me, you don’t want to mess with your dog’s health. And if you aren’t sure if you should take your dog to the vet, just give them a call. They will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Also, there’s something else important to talk about: dogs shouldn’t eat raw chicken. I know it’s tempting to give your pet some of your food, but there are some things they shouldn’t eat. Your vet can tell you everything you need to know to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Maltipoos are a small breed of dog that is smart, friendly, and likes to play. They are a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle or a Miniature Poodle. First, Poodles and Maltese were mixed together to make a dog that people with allergies could have as a pet. Depending on how strong the Maltese genes are, Maltipoos may not cause allergies like poodles do.
Depending on the poodle parent, these cute pups are 14 inches tall and weigh 20 pounds. If you want a small, fluffy pet, you might like a Maltipoo. Their soft coats and cute faces make them great pets for families. People with allergies like malitpoos because they shed less than fur.
But don’t let their small size fool you; these puppies have a lot of charm! When you get a Maltipoo puppy, you’ll get lots of cuddles and slobbery kisses. Learn about these dog breeds!
The Maltipoo’s Background
Like many designer crossbreeds, the Maltipoo was created in the United States when people wanted a small, non-shedding dog that could live with any family, no matter how small their home or yard was.
The Maltipoo is made up of two breeds: the Maltese and the Poodle.
1. The Maltese of Malta
This is one of the first kinds of small dogs that people kept as pets. They may have lived on Malta for hundreds of years, but the first written records of them are from the early 1800s, when they became famous as the lapdogs of royalty and were often painted. They became more well-known in Malta and other places during the 19th and 20th centuries. They quickly got fans all over the world because of how they look and act. In 1859, they were first shown in England as show dogs.
2. Germany’s Poodle
The first kind of Poodle was the Standard Poodle. Its job was to lift things out of water. Their dogs couldn’t swim in lakes if they got wet, so their owners gave them strange haircuts. They cut as much hair as they could without hurting the important organs and joints. The Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle are just smaller versions of the original Poodle.
They were made for people who didn’t want such a big dog but liked their attitude and willingness to work in any way. These smaller Poodles were popular right away because they were easy to train, eager to learn new things, and had happy, friendly personalities. A lot of them worked in circuses.
How long do Maltipoos usually live?
Are you considering getting a Maltipoo? This is great! Not only are these fur babies cute, but they are also great pets to have around. One question that might come to mind is, “How long do they live?”Well, Maltipoos usually live for between 12 and 15 years.
This means you’ll have a lot of time to make lots of memories and have a great time with your pet. With the right care and love, your Maltipoo can live a long, happy life full of love, fun, and new things.
Features of the Breed
Maltipoos are one of the most popular small dog breeds because they are friendly, active, hypoallergenic, and known for their loving personalities. These smart puppies are easy to train and have nice personalities. They have a curly coat that is easy to keep clean, and they love to bark, which makes them great watchdogs.
Because their fur is hypoallergenic, you won’t have to worry about annoying dander or barking like you do with other breeds. But this also means that you need to make sure to groom your pup often so that their hair doesn’t get matted or tangled. It’s also important to keep in mind that many maltipoos are a delicate breed, which means they can easily get hurt if they play too rough.
But don’t fret! If you take good care of a maltipoo, it might be the perfect dog for you. So go ahead and bring a maltipoo home today; you’ll never regret it.
Character and Actions
When choosing a dog, personality and behaviour are important. Maltipoos, for example, are friendly and nice pets for the home. These smart poodle-Maltese mixes are eager to please and easy to train. For these dogs to behave well around people and other animals, they need to learn how to get along with them. When properly trained and socialised, Maltipoos make great family pets.
Get a Maltipoo if you want a friendly, loving dog. Before choosing a dog, keep in mind that each breed has its own personality.
The good and bad parts of having a Maltipoo
Maltipoos are a popular designer breed of dog that has both good and bad things about owning one.
Maltipoos bark less than most other dog breeds, which is great for apartments or places where people live together.
They are also known for being easy to train, which makes them a good choice for people who have never had a dog before.
Also, they are known for being loving and affectionate with their owners, which makes them great companions for people who need emotional support.
There are some bad things about having a maltipoo, though.
Due to their long, curly hair, they need a lot of grooming, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
They can also have separation anxiety, which can lead to bad behaviour if they are left alone for long periods of time.
Lastly, maltipoos can have health problems like allergies and joint pain that can be expensive to deal with and treat.
The Best Food for Dogs
Maltipoos can get epilepsy and have problems with their bones. To keep health problems to a minimum, the owners should buy well-balanced food with all the necessary nutrients.
Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Shredded Formula Adult Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for Maltipoos.
This food is made just for small-breed dogs. It is high in protein and contains a lot of calcium and phosphorus, which help keep bones and teeth healthy. Calcium and vitamin B6 in this food help the nervous system, growth, and immune system.
When you get a dog, one of the first things you will think about is what to feed it. Maltipoos that are grown up need the best food for small breeds. They need 5/8 to 1/5 cup of food every day. How much food your dog eats depends on its size, how active it is, how healthy it is, how old it is, and other factors.
Talk to the vet about what you should feed your Malt-A-Poo every day. Once you know how much food your dog needs each day, divide it into two meals.
Puppies under six months old need to eat four smaller meals a day. Puppies can’t eat as much as adults because their bellies aren’t as big. Choose a food made for small-breed puppies and ask your vet how much to feed.
Common Health Problems with Maltipoos
As a current or future owner of a maltipoo, it’s important to know about common health problems that may affect your furry friend. Maltipoos are a mix of the poodle and the maltese, so they can get health problems from both of their parents. Most of these issues can be avoided or fixed with the right care and attention.
For Maltipoo Puppies:
1. Diseases that were there at birth
This includes any health problems that the puppy has ever had since it was born.
Liver shunts are the most common birth defect that kills puppies, so they should be your main concern. Maltipoo puppies usually come from healthy parents, so this doesn’t happen very often.
These kinds of problems show up early and are easy to spot, so your vet will be on top of them during the first puppy visits.
2. Trauma
Accidental injuries are one of the main reasons why Maltipoos die.
Accidents like being stepped on, dropped, or falling down could kill someone, among other things.
Cars kill more Maltipoo dogs than anything else. Because of this, they should always be on a leash and should learn to do what you say.
3. Infection
Because their immune systems aren’t strong enough, young puppies can’t fight off viral infections. Their shots aren’t done yet.
Common types of infections include leptospirosis, parvovirus, distemper, parasitic diseases, and other bacterial infections.
For Adult Maltipoo:
1. Diseases that were there at birth
Maltipoos also pass away young because they were born with serious illnesses.
Among them are hydrocephalus, Colitis, liver shunts, and many more.
2. Cancer
Cancer is one of the most scary and deadly diseases that a dog can get. After age 10, your chance of getting a cancer that will kill you goes up by a lot.
3. Heart troubles
This is the main reason why Maltipoos don’t make it to old age. Mitral valve disease is the most common heart disease that kills them, and it is also the most common heart disease in general.
Maltipoos may also have dental problems, allergies, breathing problems, a kneecap that slips out of place, and hip dysplasia. But fret not! Your maltipoo can live a happy and healthy life with regular checkups, a healthy diet, and lots of exercise, attention, and play. It’s also important to know that they are smaller dog breeds, which can make them more likely to get sick.
But if you take a little extra care, you can handle or even avoid these problems.
How to Take Care of a Maltipoo
As a new pet owner, you can expect a lot of love and happiness. But we also want you to be ready for what’s coming. Socialisation is very important, so make sure to let your furry friend meet lots of different people and animals. Even though they’re small, those little legs need to move every day.
Let’s talk about how people act now. Maltipoos are naturally social dogs, so they need to be taught how to act around guests so they don’t bark all the time. We know it can be hard, but if you are patient and keep trying, you can teach them to be good. Who needs peace and quiet when you have a friend like this?
As long as you take good care of your maltipoo, it will always love you, even if it sometimes chews on your shoes. Here’s to making lots of happy memories with you!
Read more:Top 10 Best Dog Toys in 2023
How to Brush Your Maltipoo
Every dog breed has different needs for health and grooming that should be met regularly. Grooming your dog’s coat helps keep it clean and healthy. It also lets you and your dog spend time together and keeps your dog’s mind sharp. Depending on what kind of dog it is, it might need to be groomed once a week or every day. Some dog breeds are more likely to get sick, so it’s important to take extra care when grooming them.
A puppy or pup will also need to be groomed often so they get used to it as they get older. How long and hard it takes to groom a dog also depends on how big it is. A big dog needs more time and work than a small one.
Your Maltipoo needs training.
1. Use praise and rewards
Science backs up the training method of positive reinforcement. When you use positive reinforcement to train your pet, you give it its favourite treat to get it to do what you want. It’s best to use treats that your dog wouldn’t normally get, but you can use anything from kibble to a small piece of bacon. But some dogs are not interested in food, so you could use their favourite toy instead.
Positive reinforcement also includes praise and petting, and punishment should be avoided. As punishment, they might get shocked collars, harsh corrections, or be handled in a dominant way. If you treat your dog like this, it might grow up to be scared and anxious.
2. Don’t train for a long time.
It’s easy to spend so much time training your Maltipoo that time goes by and your dog stops caring. They can get bored, which slows down progress and makes both the owner and the dog unhappy. When teaching a basic command or task, keep the sessions short. Aim for an average of 5 to 15 minutes per day. Puppies have short attention spans, so if you end the session on a good note, they’ll be ready for the next one.
3. Be Consistent
When being trained, dogs need consistency because they need to learn and pick up new habits. You want your Maltipoo to be consistent and learn to do the same thing when you tell it to, so you must be consistent when training it. Every time you train, the way you do it and the commands you use should be the same, and everyone in the family should be on the same page.
4. Just focus on one thing at a time.
Small behaviour problems might not seem like a big deal at first, but they usually get worse over time if they aren’t fixed. Before you can teach your maltipoo more complicated tasks, it needs to understand and follow simple commands. For instance, if your dog can’t sit when you put its leash on, you can’t expect it to sit and wait for its walk at the door.
If you don’t teach one command or task that leads to the next, both you and your dog will lose patience, interest, and energy, which will make training harder.
5. Try out your Maltipoo dog.
Maltipoos are smart little dogs, so you’ll need to keep them busy. If you don’t keep your Maltipoo busy, it might always be bored. This can make them act badly, like barking a lot, breaking things, or getting sad.
Your Maltipoo will also like to learn new tricks because it will keep it from getting bored. It’s also a great way to get to know one another. A game of fetch or an obstacle course are two things that are good for the mind.
6. Don’t make demands you won’t keep.
Dogs are smart, and just like kids, they figure out how to get away with things. If your dog doesn’t do what you ask and you’re in a hurry or tired from a long day, you might be tempted to give up too soon. When training, the most important thing is always to be patient, so take the extra time to do what you say you will.
7. Practise in a lot of different places
It is a good idea to take your Maltipoo to different places to train it. When they go somewhere new with new sights, sounds, smells, and people, they don’t feel like they’re at home anymore. People will act differently at a new place, like a beach or park, than they would at home.
When you train your Maltipoo in different places, their confidence will grow, and you’ll both be ready for fun adventures.
8. Have fun
You and your dog should enjoy training. It’s also a great way for you to learn more about each other. Stay calm and upbeat, and try playing games to change things up. If you and your dog have been training for too long, make it into a game.
9. Be Patient
If your Maltipoo is still young, remember that it is still growing and learning, so it won’t be able to pay attention for long. They won’t always know what you want them to do, and they may make mistakes. Some days are better than others, and if your Maltipoo does a command perfectly one day but not the next, be patient and don’t give up on training because it’s too hard.
A regular schedule will help your puppy feel safe and confident, and it will also be a great place for learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maltipoos
How much do Maltipoos cost?
The price of a Maltipoo can range from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the breeder, location, and other factors. But don’t let the price stop you from taking your new furry friend home. People like these dogs because they are smart, friendly, and don’t shed a lot. Then, why don’t you just do it? Start looking for a pet and get ready for the joy and love it will bring into your life.
Do Maltipoos get along well with kids?
Absolutely! Maltipoos make great family pets. Kids love how friendly and playful these dogs are. They are smart, trainable, and loving companions who can learn to get along with children and adjust to different family lifestyles. Maltipoos don’t cause allergies and don’t shed a lot. With their small size, cute looks, and happy-go-lucky personalities, they will bring your family, especially your kids, a lot of joy and excitement.
How hard are Maltipoos to take care of?
Excellent choice! Maltipoos are great pets and very easy to take care of. They are great for people who want a loving and loyal furry friend but don’t want all the work that comes with a big dog. Their hypoallergenic coats make it easy to groom them and keep them looking great.
Not only that, but they can fit into a wide range of living situations, making them a great choice for both busy families and quiet homes. Trust us when we say that getting a Maltipoo could be the best decision you ever make.
Can a Maltipoo live to 20?
Maltipoos can live for 20 years or more if they are taken care of. To stay healthy, your pet needs to get exercise every day and eat a well-balanced diet. Vet checkups and vaccinations are essential.
How come Maltipoos cost so much?
Are you curious about why Maltipoos cost so much? Well, let me enlighten you.
Maltipoos are considered designer dogs because they are a mix between a Maltese and a Poodle. Because they are rare and people want them so much, it can be expensive and take a long time to breed and raise a lot of them. Maltipoos come in different sizes, so breeders have to choose carefully which size Poodle to use to meet demand.
If you want to adopt a Maltipoo, you should know that the price reflects how much love, care, and specialised breeding goes into making these cute pets. So don’t be put off by the price, because it’s a unique addition to your family that’s well worth the money.
The Chion is a mix between the Chihuahua and the Papillon dog breeds. Small, playful, and obedient, these puppies got some of the best qualities from both of their parents. Papihuahua, Pap-Chi, and Chi-a-Pap are all names for cions.
Even though they are designer breeds, you can find these mixed-breed dogs in shelters and breed-specific rescues, so don’t forget to adopt! Do not shop! These cute puppies make great dogs for active city dwellers who live in apartments, but they are best for small or one-person households.
They often have a bad attitude, too. This dog might be the one for you if you want a silly, small dog with a big personality who will keep you on your toes, act as an alert dog, and stick to you like glue! See below for a list of Chion facts and characteristics of mixed dog breeds.
Highlights
Chongs are mixed-breed dogs. They are not purebred animals like their Chihuahua or Papillon parents. Most chion colours are white, fawn, cream, golden-dark brown, or black. Sometimes their coats are all one colour, and sometimes they have many. Their coats are usually smooth and short to medium in length. There are also chion leaves with longer coatings, but they might not be as good for people with allergies.
Both coats are easy to keep clean. I think once a week will do. Chions are very active. Make sure your dog gets at least one 30- to 60-minute walk and some fun, active playtime and shorter walks every day. The Chion will do anything to please its owner, even though they can be stubborn and hard to train to go to the toilet outside.
Children can easily hurt small dogs like the Chion because they are so curious. Most of the time, cions like to be around adults or older kids who can play gently. Other pets can get along with the Chion if they are introduced to it slowly and calmly. They might prefer to be the only pet in the house, though.
History
Chions have been around for a long time in their natural state, but in the late 1990s, probably in North America, people started breeding Chihuahuas and Papillons together on purpose to make Chions. By crossing the two parent breeds, breeders hoped to make a new, cute, small puppy with the Papillon’s unique coat. As the demand for mixed-breed puppies went up, they kept making Chions.
Even though the Chion was created as a designer breed, some of them have ended up in shelters or with rescue groups. If you decide that this breed is the one for you, think about adopting. Check with your local shelters or look up Chion rescues or breed-specific Papillon or Chihuahua rescues. They sometimes take in mixed-breed dogs and find homes for them.
Size
Since the Chion is a relatively new mix, there aren’t many rules about how big it should be. Still, because their parents are Papillons and Chihuahuas, you can expect Chions to be on the smaller side. From the shoulder, they are between five and eleven inches tall and weigh between four and eleven pounds. Some might be bigger or smaller than usual, though.
Personality
Many people who like Chions say that these dogs are “plucky.” They have a Napoleon complex and think they are much bigger than they are, even though they are a small breed that is happy to sleep on your lap. Since the Chihuahua and the Papillon were both made to be companion animals, Chions are some of the most loyal puppies you can get.
They can get very attached to their people, so if they think someone else is stealing their attention, they might act a little possessive. These little dogs enjoy barking or being “yappy.” If you want a watchdog that will let you know if someone comes to your door, the Chion is the best choice. To stop barking, these dogs should be trained as soon as possible.
Even though Chions tend to be stubborn and hard to housebreak, they will do anything to please their owners. Cions need a lot of care, so they may be best for a single person or a small family.
Health
The Chion is prone to some of the same health problems as the Chihuahua and Papillon mixed breeds. Even though most are in good health, some may be more likely to get sick than others, so it’s important to give them the care they need and take them to the vet regularly. People with cions are more likely than other people to have the following health problems:
Trachea is falling apart.
Corneal irritation.
Hypoglycaemia.
Knee luxation.
Dental problems.
Care
As with any dog, you should keep taking your Chion to the vet for regular checkups to catch any health problems early. Your vet can help you come up with a routine for caring for your dog that will keep it healthy. Chino is like a lot of small dogs in that he has a lot of energy and tends to put on weight.
Make sure your dog gets at least one 30- to 60-minute walk and some fun, active playtime and shorter walks every day. Check their ears every day for dirt and pests, and clean them as your vet tells you to. Trim your dog’s nails once or twice a month, before they get too long. It shouldn’t be making noise against the ground.
Your groomer can help with this. The most important thing you can do for your Chion is to take care of its teeth. Because dental problems are more common in small breeds, you should brush their teeth every day. Your vet can tell you how to brush your dog’s teeth the right way.
Feeding
An ideal Chion diet should be made for a small breed that has a lot of energy. They tend to get fat if you feed them too much, so make sure to feed them on a regular schedule and don’t leave food out all day. Also, limit how many treats they get. Like all dogs, the Chion’s nutritional needs will change as it grows from a puppy to an adult, and they will continue to change as it gets older.
There are too many differences between dogs, such as weight, energy level, and health, to make a specific recommendation. Instead, you should talk to your vet about what to feed your Chion.
Making a coat and taking care of it
Chion coats often look like a mix of their Papillon and Chihuahua parents’ coats and colours. Most chion colours are white, fawn, cream, golden-dark brown, or black. Sometimes their coats are all one colour, and sometimes they have many. They usually have smooth, short to medium-length coats, and their ears are shaped like butterflies.
There are also chion leaves with longer coatings, but they might not be as good for people with allergies. Both coats are easy to care for, which is good. It should be enough to brush once a week. Because their coats are usually short, chins don’t do well in cold weather. Your dog will probably need a coat in the winter, and in the summer, when they have less fur to protect them, you might need to put dog sunscreen on their ears, noses, and other sensitive areas.
Children and other creatures
Children can easily hurt small dogs like the Chion because they are so curious. Most of the time, it likes to be with adults or older children who know how to play gently. So, the Chion can be a great playmate for kids who know how to approach and play with a small dog from a young age. It can get along with other animals in the house if they are slowly and calmly introduced to each other.
Getting to know people early on will make a transaction go more smoothly. Chion, on the other hand, would rather be the only animal in the house and be the king or queen of the castle. Training, socialisation, and luck are the most important things, because many Chongs get along fine with other dogs and cats.
Rescue Teams
Because it is a mixed breed, it might be hard to find a rescue that specialises in its breed. But because they often take care of mixed-breed animals as well, you might want to try a rescue for Chihuahuas or Papillons.
The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden, there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more delicate perfume of the pink-flowering thorn.
From the corner of the divan of Persian saddle-bags on which he was lying, smoking, as was his custom, innumerable cigarettes, Lord Henry Wotton could just catch the gleam of the honey-sweet and honey-coloured blossoms of a laburnum, whose tremulous branches seemed hardly able to bear the burden of a beauty so flamelike as theirs; and now and then the fantastic shadows of birds in flight flitted across the long tussore-silk curtains that were stretched in front of the huge window, producing a kind of momentary Japanese effect, and making him think of those pallid, jade-faced painters of Tokyo who, through the medium of an art that is necessarily immobile, seek to convey the sense of swiftness and motion. The sullen murmur of the bees shouldering their way through the long unmown grass, or circling with monotonous insistence round the dusty gilt horns of the straggling woodbine, seemed to make the stillness more oppressive. The dim roar of London was like the bourdon note of a distant organ.
In the centre of the room, clamped to an upright easel, stood the full-length portrait of a young man of extraordinary personal beauty, and in front of it, some little distance away, was sitting the artist himself, Basil Hallward, whose sudden disappearance some years ago caused, at the time, such public excitement and gave rise to so many strange conjectures.
As the painter looked at the gracious and comely form he had so skilfully mirrored in his art, a smile of pleasure passed across his face, and seemed about to linger there. But he suddenly started up, and closing his eyes, placed his fingers upon the lids, as though he sought to imprison within his brain some curious dream from which he feared he might awake.
“It is your best work, Basil, the best thing you have ever done,” said Lord Henry languidly. “You must certainly send it next year to the Grosvenor. The Academy is too large and too vulgar. Whenever I have gone there, there have been either so many people that I have not been able to see the pictures, which was dreadful, or so many pictures that I have not been able to see the people, which was worse. The Grosvenor is really the only place.”
“I don’t think I shall send it anywhere,” he answered, tossing his head back in that odd way that used to make his friends laugh at him at Oxford. “No, I won’t send it anywhere.”
Lord Henry elevated his eyebrows and looked at him in amazement through the thin blue wreaths of smoke that curled up in such fanciful whorls from his heavy, opium-tainted cigarette. “Not send it anywhere? My dear fellow, why? Have you any reason? What odd chaps you painters are! You do anything in the world to gain a reputation. As soon as you have one, you seem to want to throw it away. It is silly of you, for there is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about. A portrait like this would set you far above all the young men in England, and make the old men quite jealous, if old men are ever capable of any emotion.”
“I know you will laugh at me,” he replied, “but I really can’t exhibit it. I have put too much of myself into it.”
Lord Henry stretched himself out on the divan and laughed.
“Yes, I knew you would; but it is quite true, all the same.”
“Too much of yourself in it! Upon my word, Basil, I didn’t know you were so vain; and I really can’t see any resemblance between you, with your rugged strong face and your coal-black hair, and this young Adonis, who looks as if he was made out of ivory and rose-leaves. Why, my dear Basil, he is a Narcissus, and you—well, of course you have an intellectual expression and all that. But beauty, real beauty, ends where an intellectual expression begins. Intellect is in itself a mode of exaggeration, and destroys the harmony of any face. The moment one sits down to think, one becomes all nose, or all forehead, or something horrid. Look at the successful men in any of the learned professions. How perfectly hideous they are! Except, of course, in the Church. But then in the Church they don’t think. A bishop keeps on saying at the age of eighty what he was told to say when he was a boy of eighteen, and as a natural consequence he always looks absolutely delightful. Your mysterious young friend, whose name you have never told me, but whose picture really fascinates me, never thinks. I feel quite sure of that. He is some brainless beautiful creature who should be always here in winter when we have no flowers to look at, and always here in summer when we want something to chill our intelligence. Don’t flatter yourself, Basil: you are not in the least like him.”
“You don’t understand me, Harry,” answered the artist. “Of course I am not like him. I know that perfectly well. Indeed, I should be sorry to look like him. You shrug your shoulders? I am telling you the truth. There is a fatality about all physical and intellectual distinction, the sort of fatality that seems to dog through history the faltering steps of kings. It is better not to be different from one’s fellows. The ugly and the stupid have the best of it in this world. They can sit at their ease and gape at the play. If they know nothing of victory, they are at least spared the knowledge of defeat. They live as we all should live—undisturbed, indifferent, and without disquiet. They neither bring ruin upon others, nor ever receive it from alien hands. Your rank and wealth, Harry; my brains, such as they are—my art, whatever it may be worth; Dorian Gray’s good looks—we shall all suffer for what the gods have given us, suffer terribly.”
“Dorian Gray? Is that his name?” asked Lord Henry, walking across the studio towards Basil Hallward.
“Yes, that is his name. I didn’t intend to tell it to you.”
“Oh, I can’t explain. When I like people immensely, I never tell their names to any one. It is like surrendering a part of them. I have grown to love secrecy. It seems to be the one thing that can make modern life mysterious or marvellous to us. The commonest thing is delightful if one only hides it. When I leave town now I never tell my people where I am going. If I did, I would lose all my pleasure. It is a silly habit, I dare say, but somehow it seems to bring a great deal of romance into one’s life. I suppose you think me awfully foolish about it?”
“Not at all,” answered Lord Henry, “not at all, my dear Basil. You seem to forget that I am married, and the one charm of marriage is that it makes a life of deception absolutely necessary for both parties. I never know where my wife is, and my wife never knows what I am doing. When we meet—we do meet occasionally, when we dine out together, or go down to the Duke’s—we tell each other the most absurd stories with the most serious faces. My wife is very good at it—much better, in fact, than I am. She never gets confused over her dates, and I always do. But when she does find me out, she makes no row at all. I sometimes wish she would; but she merely laughs at me.”
“I hate the way you talk about your married life, Harry,” said Basil Hallward, strolling towards the door that led into the garden. “I believe that you are really a very good husband, but that you are thoroughly ashamed of your own virtues. You are an extraordinary fellow. You never say a moral thing, and you never do a wrong thing. Your cynicism is simply a pose.”
“Being natural is simply a pose, and the most irritating pose I know,” cried Lord Henry, laughing; and the two young men went out into the garden together and ensconced themselves on a long bamboo seat that stood in the shade of a tall laurel bush. The sunlight slipped over the polished leaves. In the grass, white daisies were tremulous.
After a pause, Lord Henry pulled out his watch. “I am afraid I must be going, Basil,” he murmured, “and before I go, I insist on your answering a question I put to you some time ago.”
“What is that?” said the painter, keeping his eyes fixed on the ground.